EU welcomes verticals (and SMEs) to help shape ‘5G Action Plan’

The European Union has launched a consultation to ensure the coordinated introduction of 5G networks in Europe – and it’s not limited to telcos, as it is seeking views from representatives of all industries involved in 5G technologies, which means verticals can also play a part.

Historically, the telecoms sector has found it difficult to engage with their counterparts in verticals. However, the EU is now giving industry the perfect chance to have their say on what they want from 5G systems – hopefully they’ll take the opportunity.

As well as seeking input from the telecoms and ICT community, the EU also seeks contributions “from any sector that perceives benefits from connectivity to improve its process, products or services”.

Copyright: European Commission

The consultation is in the form of an online questionnaire, which will remain open until 11 July. Its purpose is to identify opportunities for a coordinated introduction of 5G networks in Europe, and to assess elements of a “5G Action Plan” so that 5G infrastructure can be deployed by 2020. Later in July, European Commissioner, Günther Oettinger, is expected to meet representatives of the telecom industry and vertical sectors, where he should receive a manifesto containing a list with actions to tackle key issues for 5G implementation. The 5G Action Plan will be published as part of the European Commission’s upcoming review of EU telecoms framework this autumn.

Topics covered in the questionnaire include:

Overall agenda for the introduction of 5G in the EU

Aspects linked to service introduction and types of new service

5G enablers: spectrum, standards, investments

The EU rightly believes that 5G is a major opportunity to improve the competitiveness of European industry, with the potential to create new digital ecosystems with networks acting as platforms for new services. As well as being incredibly significant for telcos (along with the intriguing potential for radical new business models for those brave enough to embrace them), 5G will also have a tremendous impact on a number of key industries such as automotive, health, factories and logistics, energy, media and entertainment.

The EU hopes these vertical industries will be the early adopters of the 5G technology and will build the future market of 5G services. It’s one of the reasons the EC set up the 5G Public-Private Partnership (5G PPP) – to support 5G innovation and industry competitiveness, and show how 5G can benefit vertical industries.

The EU takes the view that the ultimate objective for 5G will not be limited to merely upgrading network infrastructure, but will also be about providing an interoperable global platform to enable network operators, vertical industries and the public sector to design new services. It also believes that Europe needs a consistent approach for the deployment of 5G infrastructures across the 28 EU countries if it is to have a viable “home market” for 5G products and services.

MORE FROM ITU: Learn more about ITU-T’s Focus Group IMT-2020, which analyses how emerging 5G technologies will interact in future networks.